I received my Proto2K SW8 today. It runs great...except when it passes in the vicinity (not necessarily directly over) an uncoupling magnet. At this point, it will sometimes stop, sometimes reset, and other times say the word "max". It did come with a magnet for making adjustments with DC operation, but the reed switch is on top of the hood. Has anyone had a similar issue? I can hardly believe the magnet is strong enough, since it will barely uncouple some of my cars, but the coincidence is too much to ignore.
mitzel Welcome to TrainBoard. I've never observed this behavior with other P2K engines. I think the magnet is too far. But what else if there's coincidence??? Wolfgang
UPDATE: I got tired of scratching my head, so I removed the magnet. Most of the problems ceased (still an issue with my short wheel-base going through switches). Then, I started playing with the programming magnet that came with the loco. The "Max" that I was hearing from the loco was indicating that the volume was at max. I'm now also positive that at certain speeds, the magnet was causing the loco to reset to factory default. This magnet had the steel "magnifier" plate on the back to make it stronger, so maybe a normal-strength magnet would be okay. It runs pretty smooth now, but not nearly as smooth as my GP20 (I think the SW8 is too light).
Is the chassis (including fuel tank) made of steel; does a magnet stick to it? If so it could be 'transmitting' the magnetic field up into the top of the loco (possibly partly via the motor parts) sufficient to operate the reed switch. The field direction would be correct. One fix would be to turn the reed 90 degrees so it runs along the loco instead of across - assuming that is possible. Alternatively you could try to desensitize the reed a bit - maybe put a strip of mild steel under it, or a bit each side, to funnel some of the magnetic field away. You should drop a note to Lifelike about it - they might be able to help, and they certainly ought to be interested if they haven't already been hit with this 'bug'
Wolfgang & Mike: Thanks for the replies. I'll drop Lifelike a note and see if they've seen it before. It did serve a good purpose, however. It finally made me remove the last two magnets from my layout and took care of my uncoupling problems. Nothing like a little weekend demolition.
proto 2000 sw8 Hey guys .I have one and am having almost the same problems .I addressed it and it started doing funny things .You would start it and it would stop and go and as you increased the power an odd # the headlight would light and a even # it would go out .Tryed to reset it with the magnet and it would do nothing .Took it apart and the reed switch is sideways not up and down .So if I put the magnet on top it did nothing but if I put it in front of the loco it reset .I have others and no problems .This is the first .A little dissapointed really .I am going to disect the CVs later see if that helps .The fun world of micro computers .Marty .
